Celebrate other cultures at festival

Published: Friday, May 3, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 2:42 p.m.

One of Lexington's signature events will take place for the 17th time Saturday. The Multicultural Festival, organized by the Lexington Parks and Recreation Department, will fill Finch Park with sights, sounds and smells of different cultures from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once again the festival will feature five villages: African-American, Asian, European, Latino and Native American.

A smaller but no less significant event happened Tuesday at Tyro Elementary School when students held their first multi-cultural night. Students and staff members researched three continents, Asia, South America and Africa, and related that information to those in attendance. Students almost always enjoy dressing up and participating in activities representing other locales, and the night could be considered a resounding success.

Principal Leah Leonard offered a perceptive comment that applies to many schools in Davidson County. She noted how Tyro's student population wasn't very diverse, so multi-cultural night exposed students to those who look and act differently than they do. In contrast, Lexington City Schools offers a multitude of different cultures in its schools, and students there are more used to encountering peers who may hold different customs and beliefs.

The United States has been known as the great melting pot for its assimilation of immigrants from other countries. That great heritage has come under attack from some corners in recent years, and Congress is debating immigration reform. Some have forgotten the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

The younger that children learn many people around the world are different, the better. They will grow up more tolerant of those who wear different clothes, observe different customs, eat different foods and even look differently. Smart Start of Davidson County has sponsored a Snacks with Santa holiday event in years past that also explores different holiday traditions. Children need to be taught a balance between holding firm to their beliefs but not looking down on those who believe differently.

But it's never too late for adults to appreciate other cultures, either. A large crowd always attends the Multicultural Festival, and long-time residents have seen Lexington's population grow more diverse over the past few decades. The festival offers some a chance to proudly represent their culture. Others can learn about differences for the first time. But no matter the motivation, a good time for all will be found Saturday at Finch Park.

<p>One of Lexington's signature events will take place for the 17th time Saturday. The Multicultural Festival, organized by the Lexington Parks and Recreation Department, will fill Finch Park with sights, sounds and smells of different cultures from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once again the festival will feature five villages: African-American, Asian, European, Latino and Native American.</p><p>A smaller but no less significant event happened Tuesday at Tyro Elementary School when students held their first multi-cultural night. Students and staff members researched three continents, Asia, South America and Africa, and related that information to those in attendance. Students almost always enjoy dressing up and participating in activities representing other locales, and the night could be considered a resounding success.</p><p>Principal Leah Leonard offered a perceptive comment that applies to many schools in Davidson County. She noted how Tyro's student population wasn't very diverse, so multi-cultural night exposed students to those who look and act differently than they do. In contrast, Lexington City Schools offers a multitude of different cultures in its schools, and students there are more used to encountering peers who may hold different customs and beliefs.</p><p>The United States has been known as the great melting pot for its assimilation of immigrants from other countries. That great heritage has come under attack from some corners in recent years, and Congress is debating immigration reform. Some have forgotten the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."</p><p>The younger that children learn many people around the world are different, the better. They will grow up more tolerant of those who wear different clothes, observe different customs, eat different foods and even look differently. Smart Start of Davidson County has sponsored a Snacks with Santa holiday event in years past that also explores different holiday traditions. Children need to be taught a balance between holding firm to their beliefs but not looking down on those who believe differently.</p><p>But it's never too late for adults to appreciate other cultures, either. A large crowd always attends the Multicultural Festival, and long-time residents have seen Lexington's population grow more diverse over the past few decades. The festival offers some a chance to proudly represent their culture. Others can learn about differences for the first time. But no matter the motivation, a good time for all will be found Saturday at Finch Park.</p>